March 19-25 is Multiculturalism Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. Multiculturalism Week celebrates this province’s rich multicultural history and tradition, including the cultural contributions of residents of Indigenous and Aboriginal, Francophone, European, Asian and Middle Eastern heritage.

As part of the week, organizations throughout the province hold events such as meet-and-greets and cultural exchanges and communities are invited to decorate their homes and businesses with multi-coloured lights in celebration.

The annual Sharing Our Cultures event will take place March 19-21 at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s. The event promotes intercultural understanding and respect among youth. The public is encouraged to attend the opening ceremonies on March 19 at 1:00 p.m.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Multiculturalism Week coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. In The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government committed to increasing the annual number of immigrants welcomed to Newfoundland and Labrador to 1,700 by 2022.

Quotes
“Multiculturalism Week showcases the beautiful diversity that makes Newfoundland and Labrador a place that all of us can call home. I invite everyone to participate and display multi-coloured lights outside your homes as symbols of our shared values of diversity, inclusiveness, and acceptance.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

“If school children and youth learn to respect and accept each other, and develop friendships, they are more likely to embrace cultural and racial diversity. This year we are launching a national youth exchange project with Kugluktuk High School in Nunavut. Their students will share at the event and our students will experience Canada's North.”
Dr. Lloydetta Quaicoe
Founder and CEO, Sharing Our Cultures